NHS Health Surcharge

For many years now, most migrants applying to enter or remain in the UK have had to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee as their contribution towards the cost of the UK's National Health Service (NHS). There are certain limited exemptions to the IHS surcharge so for example it does not apply to those who are applying for permanent residency (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK or applying to become British citizens.

When the charge was initially introduced, it was £200.00 per adult applicant per year and this was then increased to £400.00. It was subsequently increased to the current level of £624.00 per adult applicant, per year. For example therefore, if a work permit holder were to apply to enter the UK for a 5 year work permit, then they would pay an IHS charge of £3,120.00 and the same fee would apply to any spouse or dependent children who were going to accompany the main applicant, again for the 5 year period. For applicants under the age of